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Jaipur, Nov 21 (IANS) Rajasthan has registered the first FIR under the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025, accusing two Christian missionaries in Kota of “instigating” and “organising” religious conversion under the guise of a religious gathering.
According to the police, a three-day event was organized at Beersheba Church on Canal Road from November 4 to 6. Allegations are that the missionaries encouraged attendees to convert, made “objectionable” comments about the Hindu community and described the Rajasthan government as “the devil’s kingdom”.
An FIR was lodged late Thursday night at Borkheda police station following complaints by officials of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.
Police station in-charge Devesh Bhardwaj said that Delhi resident Chandi Varghese and Kota resident Arun John have been detained. Police claim that the two priests held the event as a “spiritual satsang” while allegedly promoting conversions and baptizing several people.
Authorities have reportedly obtained videos and social media livestream clips showing speeches and activities during the event.
Bajrang Dal state convener Yogesh Renwal alleges that in a video, Father Chandi Varghese says, “Tomorrow Christianity will rise in Rajasthan. People will be freed from the shackles of sin. Rajasthan is ruled by Satan, and as soon as Christianity spreads, Jesus will rule.”
In the same program, some youth claimed from the stage that they had been baptized and urged others to embrace Christianity.
Police have invoked Section 299 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 5 of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2025 for hurting religious sentiments.
Officials said that considering the sensitivity of the matter, police will examine social media footage, interrogate those present and record statements of Hindu community members present.
The Home Department notified the new anti-conversion law on October 29, 2025. The law allows bail in all cases related to religious conversion, removes separate punishment categories and provides for up to 20 years of imprisonment in cases related to love jihad.
–IANS
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